Protect Our Beloved Pets From Cancer

9/5/23 Volume 10

FurWell’s Pioneering Step to Protect Our Beloved Pets From Cancer 

Hey there, FurWell Family! 

We’re excited to unveil an extraordinary breakthrough that marks a new era of pet care at FurWell. Introducing the IDEXX Nu.Q® Canine Cancer Screen, a revolutionary early detection blood test that can help catch cancer in dogs before it becomes a serious threat. Just as in human medicine, we know that early detection is the key to disease treatment and prevention, but until just recently there has not been a reliable early stage cancer screening tool in dogs.  But now there is, it is affordable ($150) and it’s now available at FurWell!  We just got all the supplies last week and we are super excited!!!

So Let Me Break This Down For You… 

Cancer is a major concern for all pet parents.  My soul-dog Ness battled with cancer 4 times over her life starting when she was 5 and sadly it was the reason I had to put her down in the end because the cancer and all of the treatments had just exhausted her poor body.  So I have lived in the fear most of you have.  Always nervous that maybe you are missing something small that one day will become something big.  It is exhausting.  The good news? The IDEXX Nu.Q® Canine Cancer Screen can be a game-changer for concerned dog parents like us. This test is like a super-sleuth that can spot signs of cancer long before the cancer shows its ugly face.  

DID YOU KNOW?  Approximately 1 out of every 4 dogs in the U.S. develop cancer during their lifetime! 

WIth dogs living longer due to our better food and medicine, the probability of your pet developing cancer during that time is on the rise.  That’s why being proactive matters, especially for older dogs and those from high-risk breeds.  Starting to test around 7 years old (or 4 years old for high-risk breeds) is a smart move, but I am going to start testing Emma now and then yearly after having lived through my experience with Ness.

Why is Early Detection Important? 

The earlier we detect cancer, the better chance we have to treat it successfully. This could mean the difference between bypassing chemo or radiation!  With this remarkable test, we can identify 7 different types of cancer with just one simple blood draw.

⚠️ What Should I Be Watching For?

Keep an eye out for signs like unusual lumps, weight loss, changes in appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, breathing troubles, and any other behavior that seems unusual for your pet. If you notice anything off, it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

How Does the Test Work?

Getting the test done is super easy.  We will schedule an appointment with our technicians and they will take a tiny blood sample from your dog.  It only takes less than 1 teaspoon of blood to run the test! ? The test looks for specific inflammatory indicators in the blood that might indicate the presence of cancer. Within a week or so, we’ll have the results and will know if further testing or investigation is warranted.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOUR PET BE FASTED THE NIGHT BEFORE THE BLOOD DRAW. 

What Do the Results Mean?

The results are categorized into low, intermediate, or high risk. A low-risk result means your pup is likely healthy, but we’ll keep a watchful eye. Intermediate risk might suggest early-stage cancer, prompting further investigation. High risk could indicate cancer, leading to additional tests for confirmation. 

IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THIS TEST IS ONLY FOR ANIMALS NOT SUFFERING FROM A SEVERE INFLAMMATORY CONDITION SUCH AS UNTREATED ALLERGIES.  INFLAMMATION IN THE BODY CAN CAUSE THE TEST RESULTS TO BE INACCURATE.

At FurWell, we’re all about staying ahead of the curve in providing the best care for our furry family members. The IDEXX Nu.Q® Canine Cancer Screen is a significant stride in early detection, and we’re thrilled to offer this to you. If you want to hedge your bet against the fight against cancer, it’s time to schedule this test.  Just give us a call and we will get you scheduled in!  Let’s continue to cherish every precious moment with our pets and give them the longest lives possible! ?

BONUS SURPRISE FOR OUR STAR CLIENTS!!! ⭐

As an introduction to the test, we have worked out a deal with IDEXX to provide the test for $25 off for the first 25 pet parents that get the test done for their dogs in the month of September.  That makes the test only $125 for our first 25 dog owners.  

Warmest Regards Dr. Tyler

Thought for the Week:  “Early detection: It’s like noticing the toilet paper stuck to your shoe before the big meeting – life saving!” 

FurWell Veterinary Hospital – The ONLY Premium Veterinary Service In the Upstate